The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-11-26

Williams, OF this church, occasionally
talks our faith to God acceptance, and
we need more such workers"
CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN OHIO.
Woodstock, o., Nov. IL, 1SS7.-[To the
Editor OF The UNIvERsALIsT. April 7
1883, will complete the first century since
the first settlement in Ohio on the
banks of the Muskingum river, where it
empties into the Ohio. From that small
beginning has grown, not only the State
of Ohio, but all the country north and
west. When the facts are considered
they seem almost like fairy tale; but
they are facts, all the same, and no one
who takes pleasure in contemplating the
growth of this part of our great nation,
will feel disposed to criticise or condemn
the preparations being made at Marietta,
Cincinnati and Columbus to appropriate
ly celebrate
The Centennial of Ohio.
At Cincinnati and Columbus the COM
memorations will be in the form of Indus
trial Expositions. At Marietta, however,
the preparations are in the direction of
genuine celebration and jollification by
processlone,in which those connected with
the first settlement will be personi6ed, and
their varied experiences represented 10y
tableaux of skillful design. As "native
born Buckeye" we are much interest
ed in these preparations, and only regret
that in Marietta we have not strong
UDiversalist church as one of the fruits
of a hundred years of existence. As a
compensation, however, we are happy in
knowing that in Cincinnati the Centen-
pial year is being celebrated by an ag-
gressive movement, represented by
The Walnut Hills Mission,
which has begun its work under auspi-
cious circumstances. A letter from Rev.
E. W. Whitney says there were one hun
dred and seventy persons present at the
first service.
In Columbus,
as noted in our last letter, the church is
exhibiting ne life, and with the compile
ton of the new chapel, will start on an
era of life and prosperity, based on
Christian Universalism.
In other parts of the State there are
evidences of renewed life The new church
at Jersey, and those contemplated at
Springfield and Hamilton will add the
contribution of Universalism to the cele-
bration of Ohio's centennial.
But there is another side to this pleas.
ant picture The Universalist church, as
whole, is not in as satisfactory condi-
ton as we would be glad to see it in this
anniversary year. There are too many
churches with clos ed DOORS For this un-
pleasant state there are several reasons;
viz: A lack of earnest love for the Uni
versalist church and the faith it stands
for. 1t does not require numbers to make
strong church. Sanctified zeal is the
main requisite. Too many regard our
faith as a sentiment. 1t is not with them
living power for good. This wicked in
difference to life and duty is numbering
our cause as an organized force in many
places.
"A second cause of lack OF vitality is
want of cooperation, by weak churches
in pastoral support. Individual prefer
ences are made to overbalance mutual
good. With the present scarcity Of min
listers, it is necessary that churches situ-
ated contiguously should unite in joint
pastorates.
Another impediment is the system of
"hiring preachers by the year." There
cannot be that strong love between pas
tor and people which is essential to
growth, when both know that few
months may terminate the relations. OBJ
servation proves that churches that rare
ly change pastors are the prosperous ones.
Still another obstacle is the low idea
of ministerial compensation entertained
by many churches, and irregular pay
ment. There are churches standing
idle,or only having services once month,
because they do not want to pay more
than ten or twelve dollars Sabbath.
A minister cannot live and keep up with
the times at such figures. Consequently
they have to devote time which should
be devoted to study and improvement, in
doing something to exc out living. The
number of ministers who will do this is
growing smaller every year. The present
standard of qualification, which requires
years of costly preparation, is placing
barriers to the entrance to the ministry
by those who are willing to be preachers
and "tent. makers" also. II at all quail
fed they have no difficulty in securing
charges that will guarantee freedom
from financial care. We know Presbyter-
ian churches that pay eight hundred to
one thousand dollars per year, and furnish
parsonage also, that are not as wealthy
as some of our churches that are trying
to live on monthly preaching on a prom
Use to pay twelve and a half dollars
Sundav0